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The Hero With a Thousand Faces


Synopsis


Since its release in 1949, The Hero with a Thousand Faces has influenced millions of readers by combining the insights of modern psychology with Joseph Campbell's revolutionary understanding of comparative mythology. In these pages, Campbell outlines the Hero's Journey, a universal motif of adventure and transformation that runs through virtually all of the world's mythic traditions. He also explores the Cosmogonic Cycle, the mythic pattern of world creation and destruction.

As part of the Joseph Campbell Foundation's Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, this third edition features expanded illustrations, a comprehensive bibliography, and more accessible sidebars.

As relevant today as when it was first published, The Hero with a Thousand Faces continues to find new audiences in fields ranging from religion and anthropology to literature and film studies. The book has also profoundly influenced creative artists—including authors, songwriters, game designers, and filmmakers—and continues to inspire all those interested in the inherent human need to tell stories.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Hero's Journey

Campbell introduces the monomyth, the universal pattern of the hero's journey. The hero leaves home, faces challenges, and returns transformed.

Example: Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Leaves Tatooine, faces trials on Dagobah, and returns as a Jedi Knight.

Chapter 2: The Call to Adventure

The hero receives a call to adventure, summoning them to leave their ordinary life.

Example: Harry Potter receiving the letter to Hogwarts.

Chapter 3: The Refusal of the Call

The hero initially resists the call, fearing the unknown.

Example: Neo in The Matrix, who initially refuses the red pill that would reveal the truth.

Chapter 4: The Mentor

A wise mentor guides the hero on their journey.

Example: Obi-Wan Kenobi for Luke Skywalker.

Chapter 5: Threshold Guardians

The hero encounters obstacles and tests as they cross the threshold into the unknown.

Example: The giant spiders that Frodo and Sam face in The Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 6: The Belly of the Whale

The hero descends into a realm of darkness and despair.

Example: Jonah being swallowed by the whale.

Chapter 7: The Road of Trials

The hero faces numerous challenges and temptations.

Example: Bilbo Baggins' journey through Mirkwood in The Hobbit.

Chapter 8: The Meeting with the Goddess

The hero encounters a divine feminine figure who offers guidance and support.

Example: Elizabeth Bennet meeting Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.

Chapter 9: The Woman as Temptress

The hero faces temptations and distractions that threaten to derail their journey.

Example: Odysseus encountering the Sirens in The Odyssey.

Chapter 10: Atonement with the Father

The hero confronts and reconciles with a father figure.

Example: Simba confronting Scar in The Lion King.

Chapter 11: Apotheosis

The hero reaches the peak of their journey, achieving enlightenment or a transformation.

Example: Neo realizing his true potential as The One in The Matrix.

Chapter 12: The Ultimate Boon

The hero acquires the goal of their journey, a treasure or realization.

Example: Harry Potter defeating Voldemort.

Chapter 13: The Refusal of the Return

The hero initially hesitates to return to their ordinary life.

Example: Bilbo reluctantly leaving the Shire after his adventure.

Chapter 14: The Magic Flight

The hero escapes from the realm of adventure and returns to the ordinary world.

Example: Katniss Everdeen returning to District 12 after the Hunger Games.

Chapter 15: The Crossing of the Return Threshold

The hero re-enters their ordinary life, but as a transformed individual.

Example: Odysseus returning to Ithaca as a wise and experienced hero.

Chapter 16: Master of Two Worlds

The hero integrates their experiences and wisdom into their ordinary life.

Example: Atticus Finch balancing his legal practice with his commitment to justice in To Kill a Mockingbird.